British actor and comedian Russell Brand, 51, was convicted Thursday in London's Southwark Crown Court of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault involving four women. The allegations date back more than 20 years. A jury of eight men and four women deliberated more than eight hours over two days before reaching the verdict. Brand was acquitted of two rape counts and one count of attempted indecent assault.
Judge Joel Bennathan ordered Brand taken into custody and said he would receive a prison term when sentenced Monday. A prosecutor described Brand as a ruthless, calculating, manipulative "sexual predator." Brand denied the charges and testified that while he was obsessed with sex as a young man and once led a promiscuous life, he had never forced anyone to do something against their will.
Brand rose to prominence in the early 2000s with risqué stand-up routines, television programs, a BBC radio show, and roles in Hollywood films such as "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" and "Get Him to the Greek." He was briefly married to pop star Katy Perry. In recent years, he moved away from mainstream media, relocated to Florida, and built a large online following with videos mixing wellness, conspiracy theories, and discussions of his religious devotion.
Brand said the criminal case had a devastating impact on his life and family. "My entire life has been consumed by these events, these allegations, these accusations," he said. His lawyers argued the alleged victims were undermined by the fact they only went to police years after the alleged assaults, following a 2023 documentary containing anonymous allegations. His wife, Laura, testified as a character witness, but Brand said no one with relevant evidence was willing to give evidence on his behalf.
Sources: Las Vegas Review-Journal
Original reporting: Las Vegas Review-Journal →
English (US)·